Olympic silver medallist Waterfield retires from diving

July 19, 2013 18:03 pm

Olympic silver medallist Pete Waterfield has called an end to a glittering 23-year diving career after announcing his retirement.

The 32-year-old’s international achievements include 10m synchronised platform silver from the 2004 Olympics in Athens alongside Leon Taylor, the pair also winning bronze at the 2005 World Championships.

Waterfield partnered Tom Daley at London 2012, the duo going on to finish fourth in the 10m synchro, while he also claimed individual 10m platform gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, going on to take silver in Melbourne four years later.

He also has European and World Cup medals to his name but Waterfield missed out on this month’s World Championships in Barcelona and insists the time is right to call it a day.

“I always said that I would continue diving for as long as my body allowed me to and I’m so grateful to have had so many amazing years in the sport, doing what I love, but the time has come to hang up my trunks," said Waterfield.

"As much as I tried to prepare myself for the upcoming World Championships in Barcelona, I wasn’t able to and that told me that it was time to reconsider my next steps. I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved in my career and couldn’t ask for anything more.

“The London 2012 Olympics had such a huge impact on sport and has opened up so many more possibilities and opportunities for athletes like myself so I’m really excited to be able to pursue some of these over the next few years.

"In addition to the new projects I’m focused on, I will of course continue to support the legacy of the Games through my work with schools around the country.

"Beyond that, stepping away from the sport will allow me to spend more time with my wife and my two boys who I had to leave on so many occasions throughout the years for training camps and competitions, so that’s something I’m really looking forward to.

"The sport of diving has come on so much from when I first got into it and there’s no doubt that its future in this country is bright.

"The governing body is strong and the steps that it has taken are clearly shown in the new talent we’re continuing to bring through. I have no intention of turning my back on the sport so I very much hope to work with that up and coming talent in some shape or form in the future.

"My thanks has to go to British Swimming for looking after me so well over the years and to my coach and my family for everything they’ve done to support me throughout my career."